Story And Illustrations by Vickey Brickle--macky 1991

Part Two
 
 
This gets a bit steamy towards the end so it's closer to R-rated 
 
 
 
 
 
 

They quietly sneaked up the back stairs of her apartment building.
Even though it was early afternoon and hardly anyone was home, she
didn't want to take the risk that Cullen and Mouse might be seen.
They had found some empty boxes in the basement and brought those
along. It wouldn't be difficult to take her things down. Someone
would only think she was using her storage locker in the
basement. Right now she wanted to take only what she needed, the
rest could be picked up next week either to take below, or put in
storage, or sold.

It was going to take several weeks to get her affairs in
order and sever most of the ties to this world. She could not
simply vanish. She had to cover her tracks so she couldn't be
traced and inadvertly expose her new world. There were some
personal legal matters she also had to take care of. One of which
was to have her name legally changed and Vincent and Alexander
made her heirs to her estate and her father's. There were some
things that Vincent had to understand.

The three made it upstairs without mishap and into her
apartment without being seen. Once inside Cullen and Mouse stared
open mouthed at her luxurious apartment. She had not given a
thought as to how different she lived than they did or had. Their
reactions brought all that home.

"This is where you live and you want to move down below?"
Cullen asked incrediously afraid that his heavy dirt covered
boots would soil her pale beige carpet.

"After tonight the word will be lived, Cullen. Is something
wrong?" She asked taking off her coat and dropping it on the
couch.

"No, it's just that I knew you had money but not this kind
of money. Looks like something in a magazine." He commented
admiring her furnishings.

"Thanks, but its not all that impressive. Just a simple one
bedroom."

"On Park Avenue." He added, trying to keep the envy out of
his voice. He couldn't suceed too well. But Catherine understood
his reaction and let it pass. He shook his head trying not to let
old feeling rise again and start new problems. Finally he asked,
"Okay, Catherine, what do you want us to do?"

"I want you to pack up the linens in the closet there,"
she said pointing to it, "Then get the towels out of the
bathroom. Mouse, you can start packing the books. I'll work on my
clothes and things. If you get thirsty or hungry help yourself."
Catherine added merrily as she grabbed some suitcases from the
closet and a box and headed for the bedroom.

Most of her clothes she was going to give away to charity
but she was going to take a few dresses and business suits for
business up Above. For where she was going to be living she would
be wearing a combination of street and tunnel clothing. Her
jeans, pants, sweaters, and heavy tops were she packed. She took
her heavier robes and nightgowns, along with a special one she
had bought with Vincent in mind. There was not going to be time
to buy a dress, so she packed the dress she had worn for their
first anniversary. He would pleased at that choice for this
night.

There were no regrets as she emptied her closet and
drawers. Finally she was done. She breathed a sigh of relief.
Part of her was going to miss this place, mainly for the memories
it evoked but the other part of her looked forward to the new
life she was going to have. She went to check how Mouse and
Cullen were doing.

Mouse had discovered her television and was staring in rapt
fasination at a Star Wars type film on one of the movie channels.
Cullen was trying to get him back to work with no success. He saw
her in the doorway smiling.

"Let him be, probably the first time he's ever seen anything
like that, Cullen." She insisted, wanting Mouse to have the
experience. Television was almost an impossibly below due to the
layers of rock, though it did strike her that using a VCR might
be possible if they cared to introduce such things into their
culture. She'd have to ask about that.

"Yeah, and with our luck he'll start building robots and
laser beams after he watches this. He doesn't need any new ideas.
He has enough of his own that cause problems." Cullen growled.

Mouse just looked at him blankly, "Good ideas, that help--not
cause trouble. Neat show, but Cullen's right need to get work
done." He said, relucantly turning off the TV and going back to
putting the books into his boxes.

"Mouse, just leave those for later. We'll get them next
trip. We have more than enough to carry down and it's getting
late." Catherine said checking her watch and mentally
calculating the time needed for everything. "We'll just take down
the clothes and what linens you got packed."

"Whatever you say Catherine," Cullen said picking up a large
box and grabbing one of her suitcases with the other hand.
"Mouse, get a couple of those boxes. Is there anything else you
want to take down?"
"No, this will do it." She answered, picking up her other
two suitcases and two of her coats.

She opened the door and checked to see if anyone was in the
hall. All clear, she breathed with a sigh of relief. Stairs or
elevator? Stairs, she decided. She motioned them forward and then
closed and locked the door behind her. It was all clear all the
way down to the tunnels. The journey back didn't take long.
Vincent met them as they were approaching his chamber. He took
her suitcases from her and smiled. Then he said something to
Cullen in a low voice that Catherine couldn't hear. Cullen
grinned.

"Mouse, just set those boxes down. Vincent will get them
later." Cullen told the young man.

"Sure Cullen," He replied mystified but he did as he was
told and set them down in the passageway.

"We'll see you later Vincent," Cullen said hurrying Mouse
along who kept looking back, until Cullen whispered in his ear
and then he too grinned.

Catherine could hear him telling Cullen, "Okay good, okay
fine," about something as they went off down the coridor.

"What was that all about?" She asked Vincent, a slight frown
of puzzlement on her face as she looked at him, "What are you up
to?"

"A surprise for you. I want you to close your eyes and keep
them closed until I say to open them." He ordered taking her hand.

"Okay, they're closed." she replied, wondering what was
going to happen now.

He led her through the passage carefully and then told her
to stop. "You can open your eyes now." Vincent whispered into her
ear.

And she did to a completely transformed room. His old bed
was gone and all the furniture was changed around for both
privacy and convience. Where his massive bookcase had once stood
was a huge ornate Victorian bed whose posts brushed the top of
the chamber's ceiling. A few chest of drawers had been added and
a partition made at the back of the room. If it wasn't for the
stained glass window set in the stone wall she would have swore
she was in a different room.

She was speechless, when she could speak all she could
manage to say was, "My God, Vincent, it's beautiful. You did all
of this since I've been gone? How? Why?"

"I had a little help. I remembered how much you admired
Kanin's gift to Oliva, so I asked if there was any thing similar.
Father remembered this in one of the storage rooms. The rest was
easy. Do you like it?" He asked hopefully, feeling through the
bond that she did.

"It's wonderful. I don't know what to say." She said almost
crying with joy over what he had done. She threw her arms around
him and hugged him tightly. "This has got to be a dream."

"It's no dream. I want our room to be ours, not just mine.
This seemed to be the way to do it." Vincent explained, smiling
down at her in his arms. "I want to make you happy, Catherine."

"You do, Vincent, you do. More than you'll ever know." She
stood on tiptoe and kissed him on his cheek. "Have you heard from
Mr. Wong?" She asked.

"The priest will be here at nine and then the ceremony will
be at nine-thirty. Lena is watching Alexander until Mary is free."

"I was going to ask you where he was. We are spending the
night here?" She asked.

"Yes. We'll start on our journey tomorrow. You've done
enough for today and you missed lunch. William has fixed dinner
early so we will have time to get ready."

"That was thoughtful of him. Let's get those boxes in and
then we can go eat." She suggested and he released her. The boxes
were put into a corner for later unpacking and her suitcases were
brought over to the bed. Taking his arm they went off to the
kitchen.

**********************************************************************

Peter paced in front of Father, not sure whether to mad,
happy or what at the news he just recieved. "My God, Jacob,
you're allowing this?"

"I don't see the problem, Peter. They're in love, have been
since they first met. Do you think that they would continue at a
stalemate for the rest of their lives? They were fated to get
married sooner or later. Vincent finding the child just pushed it
forward. Did you expect her to continue Above and him Below with
a child to take care of?" Father argued with his old friend.

"No, I guess not. It just the suddeness of it. It was a
shock to find out Cathy was a helper, then to find out she was
seeing Vincent, now this."

"Catherine was as surprised as I at Vincent's decision. When
she came down this morning she thought he'd send her back Above. She
never dreamed of that he would consent to their marriage. But it
was his idea. Vincent insisted on it. In his mind living together
in the same room would cause talk." Father commented.
"Yes, it might at that." Peter agreed, stopping his pacing
and putting a hand thoughtfully to his chin.

Father continued, "After her last stay down here, when her
father died, it was difficult for him with her just living down the
hall, being so close. He was terribly hurt when she went back
Above, even though it was his words that sent her there. Now she's
cutting her ties with Above so I don't see where there is a
problem." Father defended, not sure what was causing Peter's
aggitation.

"The problem is Vincent or haven't you got eyes, Jacob?"
Peter protested, angrily leaning forward across the desk to look
hard-eyed at Father, who jumped back surprised.

Father searched haw o,d fridnd'sface looking for clues for
t gone and all the furniture was changed around for both
privacy and convience. Where his massive bookcase had once stood
was a huge ornate Victorian bed whose posts brushed the top of
the chamber's ceiling. A few chest of drawers had been added and
a partition made at the back of the room. If it wasn't for the
stained glass window set in the stone wall she would have swore
she was in a different room.

She was speechless, when she could speak all she could
manage to say was, "My God, Vincent, it's beautiful. You did all
of this since I've been gone? How? Why?"

"I had a little help. I remembered how much you admired
Kanin's gift to Oliva, so I asked if there was any thing similar.
Father remembered this in one of the storage rooms. The rest was
easy. Do you like it?" He asked hopefully, feeling through the
bond that she did.

"It's wonderful. I don't know what to say." She said almost
crying with joy over what he had done. She tlies, all of it! Vincent is human! By every
definition of the term he is!" Father shouted back at him
frustrated and angry.

"No Jacob, you have to face the facts. Catherine knows the
facts, I've told her. But you and her are deaf, dumb and blind
where Vincent is concerned. I just don't like it Jacob. I've known
both of them since they were babies, but the idea of them
together, maybe having children. It just doen't seem right
somehow."

"I'm sorry you feel that way Peter. I didn't realize until
now how prejudiced you were. Maybe you should leave. This
marriage is going to take place and I will not have either one of
them upset by your talk!" Father exclaimed protectively as he
rose out of his chair to face him.

"Yes, you're right I should go. I've been on call for two
days. I apologize for my words," Peter offerred, trying to smooth
the breech growing between them. "Tell Cathy, that I couldn't
make it or whatever you feel should be said."

Father was not fully appeased, but he held his temper under
control, "I shall, now go before they know you're here." He
requested, masking the anger he felt.

Peter did as he asked and left the way he came. Father sat
back down and tried to calm his nerves. He hoped that there would
be no further objections to his son's marriage. The couple didn't
need that. He himself had gone through all the arguements time and
time again in his mind. He was well aware of Vincent and
Catherine's own soul searching on their differences. If they were
willing to try why should he stand in their way?

Disapproving of their love had only made them more grow more
closer and had pushed him away. After he had seen that
Catherine was sincere in her affections towards Vincent and
all the things she had done for him and the community, he
started to come to love her as a daughter. When her father died
they had become even more closer. He couldn't imagine life
without her in his son's life.

But Peter's words had unnerved him, made him think back to
the dark days of Vincent's youth. The strange illness that had
overtaken as he reached sexually maturity and had almost caused
his death. Then his illness after Paracelsus's death. It had
taken months for Vincent to recover to regain his sanity. It
might not have happened if it had been for Catherine's patience,
her understanding, and her love. She had gone after him, brought
him back from the catacombs, suffered his enraged attack, and
made him come back to himself. For now they had his beast under
control. He could only hope that it would be remain so.

Now there was Alexander. His son was overnight becoming both
a husband and a father. That was what was going to take some time
to get used to-- for all of them. He allowed himself the luxury of
finshing his tea as he checked off in his mind all the things left
to do and shook his head. Setting his cup down he went off to see
Mary and how things were progressing.

*********************************************************************
The one thing she did like about Below was its hot springs
for bathing. The delightfully warm mineral water made her feel
cleaner than any shower ever had. Luckily it was just down the
hall from Vincent's room so she could scurry back and forth
in her robe. Vincent had gone to Father's room to get
himself ready leaving his/their chamber to her.

At the last minute she had decided to wear the dress she
had worn to Winterfest a year before. It seemed more fitting
than the lacey one of their anniversary. Most of her clothes had
some memory attached to them, some reminder of a shared moment of
their love. That made her smile.

The Winterfest dress reminded her of the first time she had
been invited to that celebration, the special candle made for her
by Rebecca, of her full acceptance as a member of the community
by everyone, and of the first time they had ever danced. And
danced they had until the wee hours of the morning. Neither
one of them had wanted the night to end. She felt sure that her
feet had never touched the ground once he had taken her into his
arms. It was a dress of many happy memories. He would be pleased.

She was also glad of the addition of a large full lenght
mirror to the room. She couldn't remember a mirror in here
before. Vincent tended to be shy of them. He was terribly self-
conscious of his appearance. Any thoughtless comment made him
bristle, and become nervous. He still could not accept the idea
that she thought he was beautiful, and terribly sexy. There was
times when he postively oozed it. He was the most masculine man
she had ever met. His medival style of dressing only enhanced
that air, like a romantic hero out of litrature. Then there was
his voice. Even casual conversations could send chills down her
spine. Was he ever aware of the influence he had on her? She'd
have to ask him one time.

She was just finishing her dressing when she saw Jamie in
the doorway with something in her hand.

"Catherine, am I distrubing you?" Jamie asked hestantly,
staying where she stood.

"No, I'm just fixing my hair. Come in." Catherine welcomed
her, motioning her to come forward.

Jamie came over and held out her hand, "Mary said it was
traditonal for a bride to have something borrowed and something
blue, so all of us got together to give you this." She said
brightly, revealing a gold bracelet studded with sapphires and
dark opals that flashed rainbow fires.

Catherine took it gingerly marveling at its beauty and
ovious antiquity. "It's lovely, whose is it?"

"It's mine. Mouse gave it to me. It's part of the treasure he
found. I couldn't bear to part with it. But I wanted you to have
it for the wedding. I'm very happy for you,Catherine, everyone is.
I wanted you to know."

Catherine was truely touched, "Thank you, Jamie. I'll never
forget this. You are a dear friend. Would you like to be my maid
of honor?"

"Me?" Jamie asked surprised, "I don't know what to say."
She beamed, "I'd be honored."

"Good, it means a lot to me and Vincent will be pleased
too." Catherine smiled back warmly.

"In that case I'd better go change. I'll see you there."
Jamie said as she hurried off, her feet barely touching the
ground in her excitement and joy at being Catherine's escort.

Catherine carefully put the ancient bracelet on, making sure
the catch was secure and then finished her hair. She had fluffed
it up the way he liked it and then added some ribbons and her
long fall. She liked the effect, she hoped he would. Finally she
put her crystal necklace on and the earings she had found that
were similar in appearance. In the place of a veil she had
decided to use the white lace shawl that Mary had given her one
time. It all seemed to fit together. She looked at her watch.
Nine-fifteen. Who was going to give her away? Father or Peter?
She'd have to wait and see who showed up.
 

"Catherine are you ready?" came Father's voice from the
doorway.

"Coming." She called out, check herself one last time in the
mirror. "Father, you look postively splendid." complimenting him
on his outfit as she came up to meet him. He wore one of his fancier
robes, the one with the sheepskin and tapesty panels that made him
look like a feudal lord. His grey tunic and black pants enhanced
that image as did his rawhide strapped cloth boots. He smiled as
he saw her.

"You look lovely yourself, Catherine. That is the dress you
wore to Winterfest, is it not? I liked it then and I like it even
better now." He said returning the compliment, seeing her blush. "
Vincent will defintely be pleased."

She took his offerred arm to walk down the passage, "I hope
so, I didn't have time to find a proper wedding dress."

"Yes, my son does tend to do things on impulse and in a
hurry when he makes up his mind. This is his way of insuring that
you don't get away from him again." He grinned at her as they
walked along.

It was her turn to look embarassed, "I just thought I was
doing what was best for both of us at the time. Vincent didn't
protest, so I thought that was what he wanted as well."

"You ought to know that he wouldn't. His feelings for you
run deep, but many times he cannot talk about them, especially to
you. You both have paid a terrible price for your love in pain
and silent suffering, but there has been joy and happiness as
well. I am hoping that this marriage will end the pain for both
of you and also give these old nerves a rest. With you here
Vincent will at least stay home at nights." He laughed trying to
ease her tension.

"I should certainly hope so," she added. Changing the
subject, she asked him quickly before they reached their
destination, "Father, did anyone check out the place where Alexander
was found?"

"Kipper and Jeffery were sent. They said they couldn't find
anything. If there was evidence it was washed away with last
night's rain. They even questioned some of the local street
people. Nothing. The rags that the child was wrapped in are just
ordinary rags. It just like when Vincent was found." Father
commented. "Fate brought me Vincent, and it has done it with
Alexander for you and him. Just accept it and give up trying to
explain the mystery." He pleaded gently with her.

"I will try. I would hate to think what would happen if
Vincent were forced to give up Alexander if the mother came back
and wanted the child. It would break his heart." Catherine said,
saddly, forming a mental image of that terrible event in which a
gloved hand reached out to take what was now her child.

"Well that won't happen. The child was abandoned and now
he's ours. No one will ever take that child away from him. And
rest assurred while you two are gone he'll be in safe hands. I've
got more volunteers than I know what to do with. He's going to
end up spoiled by all the attention he's getting."

"Babies are meant to be spoiled, Father. And don't tell me
you didn't do your share of it." She laughed squeeging his arm.

He grinned back and led her into his study. The room was lit
brightly with thousands of candles. Catherine could not believe
all the flowers and how this room too had been transformed in
such a short time. The furniture had been moved and cleared away
to make room for all the people who wanted to witness this grand
event. Weddings were not a rare event but this particular one was.

The place smelled of fragrant summer flowers and incense. In
the background above the murmur of conversation she could hear
music from the harpsicord and other string instruments as well as
several woodwinds blending together in a classic piece. It was
all so perfect and beautiful, like a dream but better because it
was real.

Vincent was waiting for her at the altar that had been set
up. He looked up as she entered, a slow smile lit his face, and
his eyes were bright with love as she approached. He was dressed
in white and gold. He wore his ruffled silky shirt that tied at
the neck under a gold tapesty vest, his white satin pants clung
tightly to his lean body and muscular thighs. Creamy-off-white
calfskin, lace-up boots completed his outfit. His red-gold hair
had been brushed and smoothed and he wore his bangs fluffed up
and swept back. He was definitely magnificient and gorgeous,
she thought as she finished her apprasal of him. He saw her
look and his azure eyes lit up with merry dancing lights as well
as telling her promises of things to come. There was so much love
for her in those blue depths that she thought he would burst, he
was so happy.
Father handed Catherine to Vincent with a slight grin and
a twinkle in his eye. Vincent caught his look and raised an
eyebrow, wondering at Father's hidden humor as he took
Catherine's hand and she glided into place beside him. Father
stepped back to his place and they all composed themselves for
the ceremony.

The Buddist priest began with the traditional blessing:

"May your joining be one of great happiness and joy and in
time bear the fruits of your love. May your love sustain and
nourish you in your journey through life and offer you hope in
times of sorrow. For life is both pain and joy as is love. May
you know only love and be blessed with joy all the days of your
lives.

The priest then looked to them and nodded, telling them it
was time to recite their vows to one another. Vincent began,
taking Catherine's hand in his, looking deeply into her eyes as
he spoke, his voice soft and warm but carrying clearly around the
hushed room.

"Catherine, we met in sorrow, but from that sorrow our love
began to grow. At first I could not believe that you could truly
love one such as I, but you proved time and again that you did
and I began to believe that the impossible was possible. Your
love changed me, took away my lonliness and has given me such joy
and happiness that I have ever known. You are my light in the
darkness lighting my way and opening my eyes and heart to
treasures undreamed of. Our love is strong. It has brought us
through difficult times and become stronger with the challenges
we have faced. Know then, Catherine, that I will always love you,
be there for you and want you forever by my side as my wife, no
matter what happens or what occurs, I know that our love will
endure."

Catherine's eyes were misting with love as she listened to
Vincent's solemn speech that spoke so much of his deep-kept
feelings.

She in turn began her speech, her voice shaky at first
because of how his words had moved her, but then it soared as she
spoke of her deep love for him.

"Vincent, you saved my life. Fate led you to me, brought me
into your world and showed us both how to love. Until you came
into my life I was empty, lost, I never truly lived or gave of
myself. You taught me to bring out the best in me, to believe
that all things are possible and to conquer my fears. You are my
life and my heart's deepest love. Know then that I love you. You
are the only man I want to spend the rest of my life with, the
one I want to stand by his side side as his wife, no matter what
may happen. For I know too, that our love will endure."

His eyes were misting too, as he realized fully as never
before the depths of her love for him. They turned to the priest.

"Now the rings," he said as Mouse came forward with them
and handed them to the priest, who in turn handed Catherine's to
Vincent, saying,"These rings symbolize a pledge of love and of
your bonding. They are merely symbols for your hearts and souls
are forever pledged and need no reminders of your belonging to
one another."

Vincent took Catherine's ring, which had been Margaret's,
and very carefully slipped it on her finger. As he did so he
announced,
"With this ring, I, Vincent, do pledge myself to thee and
take you, Catherine, to be my wife from this day forward, to
cherish, to protect and to love you until my last breath."

Catherine felt the pride and love in his voice as he spoke
his vows. Knowing how deeply he meant those words to her, she was
deeply touched. She trembled slightly from the joy she was
feeling. She took his ring from the waiting priest and spoke her
pledge to him.

"With this ring, I, Catherine, do pledge myself to thee and
take you, Vincent, to be my husband from this day forward, to
cherish, to love and to honor you until death do us part."

Vincent's eyes never left hers and she felt the rightness of
it all. That with the saying of their vows they were finally
bonded together on a level deeper than either had ever known.
There were no regrets, no fears, only certainty that what they
were doing was right for them. This moment had been long in
coming but it had been always meant to be. This was the start of
a new life together, Below--the dream was now their new reality.

As through a mist they heard the priest say, "I now
pronounce you husband and wife. May this union bring you great
joy and happiness throughout your years. Vincent, you may now
kiss your bride."

Vincent needed no encouragement as he bent his head towards
Catherine's upturned face. His hair fell slightly forward like a
golden curtain as his lips touched hers lightly at first then
with increasing pressure as they kissed both on the physical
plane and on the spiritual through their bond. Catherine returned
the kiss with all the love and joy she was feeling. They got
so absorbed in their happiness that all else was forgotten.
Father's loud throat clearing reminded them of where they were
and they relucantly broke apart.

Father led the group of well wishers that surrounded them.

"You know, Vincent, I had it all in my head as to what I was
going to say when the ceremony was over--but the words seem to
elude me. It was avery beautiful and touching ceremony. A miracle
has come to pass and I am glad I was here to see it. May you two
have a long and happy life together." Father congratulated them
happily and then hugged his son, trying to keep the tears out of
his eyes.

"Now do I get a kiss from the new bride?" He asked jokingly.

"Father," Catherine said mock seriously, "did you even need
to ask?" She kissed him sweetly on his cheek and she came into
his arms for an affectionate hug.

"Thank you, Catherine, for making my son happy," Father said
releasing her.

"No, it's I who should thank you for having such a son. I
will try to be a good wife to him--that I do promise."

"I know you will. For now enjoy the party. Everybody wants
to wish you well," Father said to her while taking her by the arm
and motioning Vincent to follow as the well-wishers gathered
around.
 

*********************************************************************

It was difficult slipping away from the reception, but at
last they did laughing like children as they made their way down
the deserted passageway. Halfway along Vincent swept Catherine up
in this strong arms to carry her the rest of the way. She snuggled
against his chest so happy that she couldn't even find words for
what she was feeling. Vincent smiled down at her, brushing the
top of her head with his lips. At last she was really his, he
could feel her body next to his as he carried her but still it
seemed like a dream, one he hoped he wouldn't wake up from.

As they entered the passage way to their chamber he
requested in his husky voice, "Close your eyes, I have another
surprise for you."

"Now what are you up do?" She teased, closing her eyes.

Vincent carried her across the threshold and then laid her
gently down upon their bed which was covered with thousands of
red rose petals. The fragrant scented blossums enveloped her
making her think of nights they had shared upon her balcony.

"You can open you eyes now." He whispered from somewhere
above her.
Her eyes beheld the rose petals that surrounded her and a
room bathed in soft candlelight. From somewhere was coming low
romantic music adding to the effect. Vincent stood before her
holding two rose tinged glass goblets.

"When ever I think of you I think of roses. Do you approve?"
He asked hopefully, handing her her glass which was filled with a
golden liquid. "Champagne?" he offerred.

She looked up at him with amused surprise and sat up
gracefully, taking the goblet from him. "Yes. You never cease to
amaze me, Vincent. The flowers, the room, the champagne,
everything is all so perfect." She said, looking up at him, her
eyes shining.

"As it should be for you and our love on this night. I want
to offer a toast to us. Our love started in darkness and pain,
then learned to grow towards the light and happiness for us both.
May this night be the beginning of the fulfillment of all our
dreams and love's sweet promises." His voice was warm and
soothing wrapping her in his love with his heartfelt words.

Vincent looked at her and drained his glass as she did. Then
he held out his hand and pulled her up to stand before him. He
stood there looking down at her unsure for a moment as to what to
do next. Catherine felt his insecurity and took his head in her
hands looking deeply into his blue eyes.

"Now that you got me, you're not sure what to do?" She asked
gently, feeling him tense up from her on the mark question. "Just
relax and let yourself go. There is nothing to be afraid of."

"Catherine, I've never made love to anyone. What if I do not
please you or I hurt you?" He asked sincerely, worried that he
might be a failure or worse.

She wrapped her arms around his neck, and kissed him on his
velvet cheek, then shook her head. "You won't hurt me, Vincent,
and I understand your fears. Just be yourself and let our love
guide you." Her upturned face radiated love and acceptance of
him, and through their bond she willed him to feel safe and trust
his instincts.

Through the bond Vincent felt her trust as he bent his head and
kissed her on her full lips stil marveling at how this simple act
could express what was in his heart. He was still new at this. It
was one thing to kiss Father or a friend, but quite another to
kiss Catherine. Each time was more exciting than the last and
aroused in him desires and sensations he had not known existed
in his body until she came into his life.

He gave into the kiss, increasing the pressure and they
became lost in it, flying higher and higher into the clouds of
love. He felt her legs become weak from the intensity of it as his
were rapidly becoming. Her eyes were closed and her expression was
dazed as he rained kisses on her neck, and nibbled at her ear
with his fangs and licking her with his tongue. His breath was warm
in her ear sending shivers down her spine.

He worked downward again, kissing her shoulder as she ran
her fingers through his wild mane. His hands caressed her back,
and dared to wander lower. Suddenly he stoppped and looked down
at her, his eyes becoming very cat-like in his passion. "Is this
what you had in mind?" His voice purred.

"Yes," she breathed having trouble speaking. "Why did you
stop?" She asked wanting him to continue.

"Shouldn't you be getting into something more comfortable?"
He inquired.

His question amused her as she realized what the source
for it had been, "You've been reading my novels again, haven't
you?"

"A few. Some of them tended to be very educational." He
smiled mysteriously.

Catherine lifted an eyebrow, "I bet." She laughed.

Vincent released her and she slipped out of his arms, "It
won't take me long to change. You can get comfortable as well
while you wait." She laughed, giving him a longing look as she
picked up her nightgown and robe and left to go change down the
hall.

Vincent watched her go with mixed feelings of both passion
for her and his own inner fears of himself. Since she was going
to be wearing her nightgown, he could forstall his own unveiling
with his dressing gown. He stripped off his clothes quickly and
put on the robe to insure that she didn't catch him in the act of
undressing. He was still unsure what her reaction was going to be
to his body. That was what had kept them apart, his fears. They
would either be conquerored or increased as the night progressed,
he speculated. He had just finished putting his robe on when
Catherine reappeared in the doorway. She had put a heavier robe
on to tranverse the hallway, but as soon as she entered their
chamber it was removed.

The sight of Catherine with the candle light behind her took
his breath away. The light made her gown transparent, yet
shimmering with rainbow lights that danced across her shapely
body. Revealing and concealing her every line she looked like a
goddess to him. She removed her jewelry, putting them on the
table, then walked sensually to where he stood not daring to move.

"Catherine, you look like a goddess clothed in rainbows." He
whispered finding it hard to breathe as he drank in the sight of
her.

She lightly touched his chest, her green eyes held his blue
ones thanking him for the compliment, "But I'm not a goddess, I'm
real. I want you to love me and to let me love you." She asked
him in a husky voice moving closer to him her hand parting his robe
at his chest.

Her fingers played across the light golden fur she found there
sending shivers down his spine. Her hand explored his chest as he
fought to maintain his control. His head was thrown back and his
legs were braced as she touched and stroked his bare body, parting
his robe further and further until it fell open to hang loosely
on his shoulders. Her tongue and lips began their explorations
on his torso, and his heavy breathing came in ragged gasps as
he was flooded with sensations. He almost lost it as her hands
wandered below his waist touching his hips and belly, then going
farther afield. There was no doubts to his interest. He was rock
hard and throbbing ready aganist her stomach.

"Catherine, stop!" he pleaded weakly between clenched teeth.

She did as he asked, looking up at him questioningly. "I
just wanted to please you."

"You do!" He gasped, shaking his head to regain his
mental equalibrium. "What I'm feeling is beyond words. I did not
expect it to be like this."

"Is that good or bad?" She inquired, worrying that she had
somehow frightened him.

"It is good," Vincent's husky voice replied more under control
now. He drew her close to him, his interest still apparent. "But
you are making this one sided."

She smiled, understanding now as he kissed her again on the
lips, letting her know what she had done in arousing his passions
to a fever pitch. This time he didn't stop as he kissed her neck and
worked down to her shoulders. His hands slipped the thin straps
of her gown off them, then with exploring caresses started working
the rest of her silky gown off her body until it fell loosely
around her bare ankles. His hands, lips and tonque explored her
body as she had his. Her legs began to give way under his loving
assault. He swooped her up in his arms and laid her on the huge
bed, and continued his explorations. Her hands gripped the covers
as she started losing her control, soft moans of passion escaping
her lips.

Her sounds startled him. He thought he was causing her pain
and sat back on the bed with a worried expression. Catherine
opened her eyes when she felt him sit up, and saw his look and
knew what the problem was.

"Vincent, I'm not hurt. Your touching felt good, not
painful. I just got carried away. Come here." She asked, holding
out her arms to him, inviting him into her embrace.
"You had me scared that I had done something wrong," He said
moving closer and taking off his robe which fell to the floor.

He melted into her arms, laying carefully on top of her so
his weight did not crush her. She was so small and delicate, he
thought as he touched her hair and traced the lines in her face
with his clawed finger.

She sensed his hestitation and looked up at his with
adoration and love in her eyes, "Vincent, I won't break. I want you
to make love to me. I love every inch of you. Please don't be
afraid." She gently begged him as she wrapped her arms around his
neck and stroked the back of his neck. "Kiss me again."

Her words eased most of his fears as he did as she had
asked. She kissed him back and ran her hands down his spine then
down, arousing him again by her touches. Vincent let her
position him as she wanted him within her. Instinct and passion
took over from there as he made love to her with every fiber of
his being. In all ways they were as one riding their waves of
unimagined ecstacy to heights they never dreamed existed in the
physical plane because of the bond they shared of the spirit. All
too soon their mutual climax exploded through them leaving them
dazed and breathless from its intensity of sensations.

Vincent collasped weakly on top of her. It took awhile for
him to come back to reality as his body, mind, and soul drifted
down from the heights they had reached. Finally he got his eyes
opened and looked up at Catherine who had the same look of awe
and wonder he knew he wore.

"Catherine, did that happen?" He asked breathlessly.

"Something sure did." She whispered, apprasing him with wonder
and respect. "That was beyond anything that should have happen."

His eyebrow lifted as he digested her remark. "Then I
pleased you?"

"That is an understatement." She smiled, then asked, "And what
are you feeling?"

"I have no words, only awe at what our love has made happen
this night." The blue eyes were soft with the love he was feeling.
Even if our love making never reaches these heights again, I will
forever treasure this night, these moments with you." He kissed
her gently and then tried to move away but she held him.

"Just lay with me Vincent. I want to feel your reality and
know that this is not a dream." Catherine whispered holding him
with her eyes as he laid quietly on top of her.

"This is no dream, Catherine. What we wished for has come
true and now we will never be apart in this life. But we should
get some rest for tomorrow." He reminded her.
Catherine released him and he moved from her. He helped her
move and they slid under the covers. Catherine settled into a
comfortable spot against his shoulder and chest as he wrapped his
arm around her. Her nude body against his was a pleasurable
sensation even though the position was a familar one for them. He
had wondered what it was like and now he knew. His fears seemed
far away and foolish. He now had a feeling of normalcy in his
life. Finally he could rest in peace knowing that she was really
with him and not somewhere Above and alone. At last they could
have a life together he thought happily as he drifted off to
sleep.

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